What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide

Toilet blockages can happen at any time, and are a common issue for homeowners. It’s unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t need to call the plumber right away. In this blog we’ll walk you through some simple ways to clean your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved by using simple tools like a plunger baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we begin, it’s essential to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Close your water source valve.
The first thing to do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet. This will ensure that there is no further water entering the tank as you are working to unblock it. The valve usually is found near on the floor of your tank on one side.
Step 2: Guard yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from germs or bacteria present in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool for clearing toilets of blockages. The first step is to gently push down on the plunger until all air escapes from it, then place it firmly on the toilet and begin to plunge quickly up and down for approximately 20 seconds. The suction created when you plunge back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if they’re close enough to stop the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work, try this next tactic Pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. The mixture should sit for approximately 15 minutes. It may fizz before it slows down it will be poured down with hot water (not at a boil) to clear the blockage.
Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or plumbing snake.
If both plunging and baking soda and vinegar have not worked, then it is the time to employ an electric coat hanger or plumbing snake. You can straighten out the coat hanger’s wire until have a thin, long wire that has hooks that are bent at one end or use to use the plumbing snake, which was designed specifically for clearing drain blockages. Insert the tool into your toilet drain hole and then twist to turn, push, to the point where you can feel a resistance. there’s usually a blockage is. Make an effort to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion without causing damage to your pipeline.
Note:
- Never overdo pushing or pulling actions as they could make things worse
Step 6: Switch on the water supply and check the result
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is essential to turn on the supply of water in your toilet. Make sure to flush it several times to make sure that everything flows freely now!
Tools | Description |
---|---|
Rubber Gloves | Hand protection from potential bacteria or germs present in the toilet bowl. |
Plunger | Most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl and plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. |
Baking Soda and Vinegar | Mixture to use if plunging doesn’t work. Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes, then pour hot water down (not boiling) to flush out the blockage. |
Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake | Tools to use if both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed. Straighten the wire coat hanger until you have a long thin wire with a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake, which is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. |
Frequently Asked Question
How can I tell whether my toilet is clogged?
A frequent indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water fills up to the brim after flushing. There is a possibility that the water drains slowly, or you might hear noises of gurgling coming through the toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you think your toilet has been blocked then avoid flushing it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off your water source to the valve that is behind the toilet, and use a plunger to try and remove any blockages. If that doesn’t work, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
How can I stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are several ways to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. These include avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. Also, avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the sink, as it can cause solidification and block pipes.
What is the best time to call an experienced plumber to fix a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried to flush into your toilet, but it isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that is causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to contact an experienced professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumber . We have many years of experience dealing with any plumbing problem and can swiftly diagnose and address any issues with minimal disruption to your home.
Do I need to schedule my drains cleared?
It is recommended to have your drains cleaned by experts like Perth Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will help prevent blockages and ensure that your plumbing system running smoothly. However, if you frequently suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water, despite being careful to not block them, then regular cleaning is beneficial.
These procedures are fairly easy to apply and the majority of these products are easily available in households. If you’re having trouble with your toilets, don’t be getting anxious after trying all the strategies, you should contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re in search of professional assistance with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- Blocked Drain Emergency? Here�s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- Effective Ways to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain Naturally
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners